Delta Carbon Interns are the first to convert an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assignment to a verified EPC for VKB Head Office in Reitz. The Interns are part of the EPC Practitioner Skills Programme, a registered qualification with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) specifically aligned to meet the demand for skills required to implement the requirements of EPCs for buildings in South Africa in accordance with the EPC Regulation.

VKB is a dynamic agricultural enterprise with operations across South Africa, headquartered in Reitz in an office building that now sports a prominent Energy Performance Rating of “B” which is close to top performance as an energy efficient building according to how the building is operated.

The Regulation for the Mandatory Display and Submission of EPCs was Gazetted for implementation by 7 December 2022. The Regulation requires EPC to be verified and signed by South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) EPC Inspection Bodies, of which Energy Management and Validation Services of Cape Town is the first EPC Inspection Body accredited to issue EPCs to building owners, and also the signatory of the VKB certificate, as the organisation verifying the information collected by the EPC Practitioners in training under mentorship of Delta Carbon.

JP Spangenberg, Director of Delta Carbon says; “Delta Carbon is proud and honoured to have participated in the EPC Practitioners Skills Programme in conjunction with the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and the Institute of Energy Professionals Africa (IEPA), to enhance the EPC skills of the youth throughout their journey within Delta Carbon.”

As the EPCs process is new to the country, and a prospective practice to be adopted in years to come, it is very important that these skills are taught and transferred through mentorship to the future labour force to support the Government’s goals in energy transition to lower carbon emissions. Delta Carbon participated in providing substantial groundwork and opportunities for the Intern’s career trajectory, precisely within the EPC sector, during participation of the programme.

Since young people often face limitations in accessing employment opportunities in the energy sector, supporting youth to be the force of tomorrow is very important. Which is why investing in the programmes like "EPC Practitioners Skills Programme" will assist in creating opportunities for youth to grow and thrive in the sector and become dynamic advocates for change.

Spangenberg concludes, “The Interns have developed adequate EPC knowledge and skills as they were strongly involved in the diverse aspects of the EPC Practitioners Skills Programme. It is imperative that opportunities like these are created for young people, since instilling those skills in youth, is like planting seeds of future leaders. We hope to be continuing with our quest of upbringing and preparing the future generation for success."